Inside the rough shelter, Makeda and the survivors gather around the hearth. Angela lays Mikayel’s token and folded message before the elderly charcoal burner, while the sealed bread remains untouched.
The Elderly Charcoal Burner
Mikayel’s word is genuine. Rest here, and take warmth, but do not go toward Trabzon. Its garrison watches every road and questions every stranger.
The elderly charcoal burner traces a route in the ash with one soot-darkened finger, following the high valleys eastward, then turning toward the mountain country beyond Ottoman roads.
The Elderly Charcoal Burner
To reach Georgia, follow the concealed valleys and cross above the settled roads. The Kingdom of Imereti lies beyond those ridges, though the journey is long.
The Charcoal Burner’s Elder Son
The direct pass is faster, but an Ottoman patrol post watches its approach. Soldiers search travelers there, especially those coming from the coast.
The Charcoal Burner’s Younger Son
The longer crossing bends through fir country and abandoned shepherd paths. We know the way, but it costs several days and demands careful climbing.
Daria studies the ash-map while Petar glances toward the dark entrance. Sofia keeps Julia near the warmth, and Angela gathers the message and token, leaving the choice open before Makeda.
“"We will also need food for the journey. We can scavenge some in the valleys, but we also need to find some supplies."”
SUCCESS (Fair Survival, rolled +0)
Makeda
We will need food for the journey. We can gather some in the valleys, but we must also find supplies.
Makeda’s words settle over the shelter. The elderly charcoal burner studies the ash-map, then points toward a lean-to hidden beyond the nearest mound.
The Elderly Charcoal Burner
There is a store of dried beans, millet, salt, and lamp oil. It belongs to our winter work, but Mikayel’s protection extends to you.
His elder son leads Makeda and Angela to the lean-to. They find two small sacks of grain, a salt pouch, a clay flask of oil, and a coil of rough cord.
The Charcoal Burner’s Elder Son
Take these, but leave the iron pot. We need it for the kilns, and carrying more would slow you in the passes.
As Makeda lifts the grain, the sack’s coarse seam parts beneath her fingers. Several handfuls spill into the ash, costing the group a portion of its newly secured food.
The Elderly Charcoal Burner
That is the price of haste. Bind the seam before you leave, and gather what remains. The supplies are yours, but the high crossing will test every pound.
✓ Quest Accepted
Prepare the food for the high crossing
− Story Quest Removed
Reach Trabzon
+ New Item Acquired
Grain sacks
+ New Item Acquired
Salt pouch
+ New Item Acquired
Oil flask
+ New Item Acquired
Rough cord
“"We cannot repay you for your generosity, but will remember you in our prayers."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Oratory, rolled -1)
Makeda
We cannot repay your generosity, but we will remember it in our prayers.
Makeda bows her head over the scattered grain. Angela kneels beside her, gathering the clean kernels, while the charcoal burner’s elder son holds the torn sack open.
The Elderly Charcoal Burner
Prayer is payment enough, if it is joined to prudence. Take what can be carried, and waste nothing more.
The charcoal burner’s elder son helps bind the seam with the rough cord, tightening it into a serviceable bundle. The salt pouch and oil flask are wrapped against damp.
The Charcoal Burner’s Elder Son
The beans cook quickly. Keep the millet dry, and divide the grain before the climb. A light burden may save your strength.
Beyond the shelter, charcoal smoke drifts low through the firs. Daria studies the darkening valleys, while Sofia and Angela sort the provisions into smaller loads for the eastern crossing.
The Elderly Charcoal Burner
Rest tonight. At first light, my sons will show you the concealed valley path. May your prayers carry you safely beyond the Ottoman roads.
✓ Quest Accepted
Reach Imereti
“In the morning, after breakfast, she speaks with Petar: "This is it, we're leaving Turkey for good, and going on a long and dangerous journey, and we don't really know where it will end. You're already a long way from home, and if you come with us, you may never see it again. It's up to you. We are glad of your help, but will understand if you want to go home."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Oratory, rolled -3)
Morning light reaches the shelter after breakfast. The charcoal burners prepare their work, while Makeda finds Petar beside the stacked packs and speaks before the journey begins.
Makeda
This is it. We are leaving Turkey for good on a long, dangerous journey, and we do not know where it will end. You are already far from home. If you come, you may never see it again. It is your choice. We are glad of your help, but we will understand if you go home.
Petar looks toward the eastern ridges, then back at the shelter where the last warmth gathers. His face tightens as he weighs the road against the possibility of returning alone.
Petar
Home is behind soldiers, accusations, and men who would sell me for less than a loaf. I will come. At least with you, I know what I am risking.
Petar
I may never see those roads again, but turning back would not restore what was taken.
His choice adds another traveler to the crossing. The grain is divided into five shares instead of four, leaving each portion visibly smaller before the climb has even begun.
Petar
Give me the rear watch today. I know how to disappear on a road, and I will not make you regret carrying my share.
Quest Complete
Prepare the food for the high crossing
Skill Upgrade: Survival Fair→Good